US20210079950A1 - Safety support apparatus - Google Patents
Safety support apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20210079950A1 US20210079950A1 US16/959,655 US201816959655A US2021079950A1 US 20210079950 A1 US20210079950 A1 US 20210079950A1 US 201816959655 A US201816959655 A US 201816959655A US 2021079950 A1 US2021079950 A1 US 2021079950A1
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- support apparatus
- clamp
- support
- receiver
- platform
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
- F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
- F16C11/10—Arrangements for locking
- F16C11/103—Arrangements for locking frictionally clamped
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/04—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element
- B60P1/28—Tipping body constructions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/04—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element
- B60P1/28—Tipping body constructions
- B60P1/283—Elements of tipping devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D65/00—Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided for
- B62D65/02—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
- B62D65/16—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being exterior fittings, e.g. bumpers, lights, wipers, exhausts
Definitions
- dump trucks In transportation, dump trucks are used to transport materials in an open- box bed, pivotably hinged at the rear and raiseable by powered drives at the front.
- a truck bed In operation, a truck bed may be placed in a raised configuration for a prolonged period of time to grant service personnel physical clearance to access mechanisms on the underside of the truck bed.
- the elevation of a truck bed for a protracted length of time poses safety complications for personnel at work under the truck bed, due to the risk of accidental release of the truck bed from an elevated position.
- a structural support may be imposed beneath an elevated truck bed to reduce the risk of accidental release. However, the structural support itself must be secured to prevent the support from accidental slippage or dislocation.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,174 to Gilbertson et al. discloses a safety support device for truck beds.
- the Gilbertson support device provides a channel rest which supports the truck bed, pivotably bolted to an upright shank.
- the shank supported by a brace, rests on a base platform which rests on a truck chassis frame.
- the Gilbertson support device cannot be secured to the truck chassis frame without employing chains that wrap around the truck chassis frame.
- Gilbertson's channel rest must support the weight of the truck bed, yet it is equipped with only a narrow bracket on its underside that bolts to Gilbertson's upright shank. Thus, the sides of Gilbertson's channel rest overhang the shank and are not directly supported. Under stress from the truck bed for protracted periods of time, Gilbertson's channel rest may warp under strain, decreasing the safety of Gilbertson's support device over long-term use. Further, Gilbertson's rigid channel rest limits the size of truck chassis frame the support device may be used in conjunction with, thereby limiting the applicability of the support device or requiring a user to obtain multiple different sizes in order to accommodate a wide range of truck types and sizes.
- methods for using Gilbertson's support device comprise no fewer than nine steps and as many as nineteen steps, to account for the need to manually hook, fasten, unfasten, and unhook the support chains.
- Emerson Manufacturing of Pender, NE provides various safety support devices for truck beds.
- Emerson provides a “Safety Wedge Lock” in the form of an upright triangular frame which serves as a pivot for an inverted triangular frame. In operation, the upright frame rests upon a chassis frame of a truck and the inverted frame is “wedged” under a side of a raised truck bed.
- the base of the Emerson device merely provides a bracket that encloses the sides of the truck chassis frame, and thus the Emerson device provides no mechanism for securing the base to the truck chassis frame.
- the Emerson device may dislodge from a wedged position under the truck bed; this permits the truck bed to suddenly fall, creating a potential safety hazard. Under stress from the truck bed for protracted periods of time, the risk of dislodgment may increase.
- a safety support device has not been proposed or suggested to resolve the problem of burdensome or insecure fastening against a truck chassis, or the problem of warming due to supporting weight for prolonged periods of time.
- FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view of a safety support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of the safety support apparatus in configuration with a truck chassis frame.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the safety support apparatus with extension insert coupled to a truck chassis frame.
- FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of a support platform and receiver configuration of the safety support apparatus.
- FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view a support platform and receiver configuration of the safety support apparatus while coupled to a truck chassis frame.
- FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of a roller guides and receiver embodiment of the safety support apparatus while coupled to a truck chassis frame.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a profile view of the safety support apparatus configured with a horizontal support member.
- FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of the safety support apparatus configured with a horizontal support member.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a profile view of the safety support apparatus.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a safety support apparatus for truck beds elevated in a raised position.
- a bottom of the safety support apparatus provides a support platform having a clamping mechanism adjustable to truck chassis designs having rails of varying thicknesses.
- a top of the safety support apparatus provides a receiver which may be configured with several modular components to engage the bottom of an elevated truck bed.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a support apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the support apparatus 100 has an anterior member 101 and a posterior member 102 together forming a truss frame 110 having a top, a bottom, and at least one side.
- the truss frame 110 further comprises a first lateral face 111 and a second lateral face 112 .
- the support apparatus 100 further comprises a base member 130 coupled to the bottom of the truss frame 110 .
- the support apparatus 100 further comprises a receiver 120 coupled to and laterally spanning the top of the truss frame 110 .
- the receiver 120 may be configured to overhang each face of the truss frame 110 .
- At least one handle 105 may be affixed to the anterior member 101 , the posterior member 102 , or both.
- one or more clamp housings 131 are coupled to the base member 130 .
- Each clamp housing 131 further comprises a lengthwise passage through the clamp housing 131 , the passage configured with access at its top through a fastener receiver at a top of the clamp housing 131 and access at its bottom through an opening disposed through the base member 130 .
- a clamp member 132 may be disposed through a passage of a clamp housing 131 by insertion into the opening disposed through the base member 130 .
- a clamp member 132 may be removed from the passage of the clamp housing 131 through the opening disposed through the base member 130 .
- one or more handles may be affixed to the anterior member, the posterior member, or both, of the second face of the truss frame, allowing for easier transport and storage of the apparatus.
- a clamp member 132 shown in FIG. 2 , further comprises a sliding member 133 having a first end and a second end, adjustable upward and downward through a range of positions within the clamp housing 131 , and a clamp jaw plate 134 set at the second end of the sliding member 133 , wherein the clamp jaw plate 134 halts upward adjustment of the sliding member 133 within the clamp housing 131 . While the sliding member 133 is inserted within the clamp housing 131 , an adjustable fastener 135 may be fastened through the top opening of the clamp housing 131 to the clamp member 132 .
- the adjustable fastener 135 may be coupled to the sliding member and configured to adjust the sliding member 133 through a range of positions within the clamp housing 131 so as to open the clamp jaw plate 134 and provide a variable clearance between the base member 130 and the clamp jaw plate 134 .
- the sliding member 133 may further comprise an elongated member configured to lengthen the apparatus 100 and enable fastening of the apparatus to a rail of greater thickness, thereby increasing overall stability and adaptability of the apparatus when used with various types of truck designs.
- the apparatus 100 may further comprise an extension insert (not shown), configured to couple both the base member 130 and the sliding member 133 .
- the extension insert may further comprise a plurality of notches configured to allow adjustment of an overall clamping area of the apparatus 100 by removably coupling the sliding member 133 at a plurality of adjustment points disposed through at least one surface thereof.
- the extension insert in conjunction with the sliding member 133 and clamp jaw plate 134 , may be configured to allow the apparatus 100 to be stored in an upright standing position.
- the receiver 120 may comprise any elongated form allowing imposition of a shaft 201 through the receiver 120 .
- the receiver 120 may be cylindrical in form.
- the receiver 120 may be configured to couple a support platform 200 , further configured to pivot about a central axis of the receiver 120 .
- Two opposing sides of the support platform 200 may provide brackets 210 having sufficient clearance in between to span the length of the receiver 120 .
- the brackets 210 may each be a structure spanning the length of a side of the support platform 200 .
- a pivot receiver 211 may further be disposed through each bracket 210 . With the brackets 210 abutting the receiver 210 , a shaft 201 may be inserted through the brackets 210 and the receiver 120 to pivotably mount the support platform 200 to the receiver 120 .
- At least one pivot stop (not shown) may further be coupled to the brackets and an underside of the support platform, spanning the length of the support platform and configured to limit pivotability of the support platform about the central axis of the receiver.
- a platform guide 250 may be a plate structure aligned and abutting a bracket 210 of the support platform 200 such that a portion 251 of the platform guide 250 protrudes over the top of the support platform 200 . While in alignment with a bracket 210 , the platform guide 250 may be coterminous with one or more edges of the bracket 210 excluding the portion 251 protruding over the top of the support platform 200 .
- the platform guide 250 may be moveably fastened to the shaft 201 such that the platform guide 250 may be pivoted into alignment with a bracket 210 or may be pivoted out of alignment with the bracket 210 as illustrated in FIG. 4B . While in alignment with the bracket 210 , the platform guide 250 may be fastened to the bracket 210 at one or more points of the bracket 210 .
- Handles 105 of the anterior member 101 and of the posterior member 102 may each be configured such that the platform guide 250 may pivot fully about the shaft 201 without obstruction by a handle 105 .
- the receiver 120 may be configured to receive roller guides 300 instead of a support platform 200 as illustrated in FIG. 4C .
- a roller guide 300 may be fastened to each end of the shaft 201 .
- a roller guide 300 may be a disc member which circumscribes a side of the receiver 120 such that an object resting upon the receiver 120 is secured in its lateral motion against roller guides 300 fastened to either end of the shaft 201 .
- the support apparatus 100 further comprises at least one horizontal support member 260 , coupled at a first end to the posterior member 102 and coupled at a second end to the anterior member 101 .
- the at least one horizontal support member 260 is configured to link both the posterior and anterior members 102 , 101 to one another and increase overall structural stability of the support apparatus 100 .
- the at least one horizontal support member 260 is configured to link the posterior member 102 and anterior member 101 and increase overall structural stability such that the posterior member 102 and the anterior member 101 may be further configured as open structures.
- the at least one horizontal support member 260 and the posterior and anterior members 102 , 101 are configured to form a central cavity 265 within the truss frame 110 of the support apparatus 100 ; thereby reducing carry weight of the apparatus 100 without reducing structural integrity.
- the central cavity 265 is configured such that an overall amount of materials and time needed to manufacture the apparatus 100 is significantly reduced without reducing structural integrity, as the apparatus 100 may be constructed from fewer pieces of material. Further, the support apparatus 100 would require fewer connecting welds than other support apparatuses known in the art, thereby decreasing time needed for manufacturing processes.
- the at least one handle may comprise a plurality of handles 105 may be configured such that at least one handle of the plurality of handles 105 is disposed upon opposite facing surfaces of the anterior member 101 or of the posterior member 102 .
- the plurality of handles 105 are further configured such that a user may place, remove, or adjust the apparatus 100 from either side of the apparatus 100 .
- the plurality of handles 103 may also be configured to allow ease of transport of the apparatus 100 both during use and non-use.
- the platform guide 250 may be absent, and the support platform 200 may be configured such that load pressure alone forms a frictional coupling between the support platform 200 and a truck bed 410 .
- the bracket 210 may further be configured such that it may only pivot about the shaft 201 in a partial arc, rather than fully, adding additional stability to the support platform in absence of the platform guide 250 .
- a support apparatus 100 may be engaged as follows with a lengthwise rail 401 of a truck chassis 400 having a bed 410 , where the bed 410 is pivoted in the raised position, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- a support apparatus 100 may be configured for operation, first by manipulating the adjustable fastener 135 to open the clamp jaw plate 134 .
- the receiver 120 may then be configured either with a support platform 200 , without platform guides 250 , with a support platform 200 having platform guides 250 , or with roller guides 300 .
- a support apparatus 100 may be carried by the at least one handle 105 and placed with the base member 130 resting upon a lengthwise rail 401 of a truck chassis 400 , with the anterior member 101 facing a head of the truck and the posterior member 102 facing a tail of the truck.
- the clamp jaw plate 134 may be imposed under the lengthwise rail 401 such that the lengthwise rail 401 is situated between the base member 130 and the clamp jaw plate 134 .
- the support apparatus 100 may be moved laterally along the lengthwise rail 401 until the support platform 200 is in contact with the bottom of the bed 410 or until the receiver 120 is in contact with the bottom of the bed 410 .
- the bottom of the bed 410 may be braced between the platform guides 250 or between the roller guides 300 to secure the bottom of the bed 410 against the support platform 200 or against the receiver 120 .
- the adjustable fastener 135 may be adjusted to close the clamp jaw plate 134 about the lengthwise rail 401 to place the base member 130 and the clamp jaw plate 134 within a locked coupling about the lengthwise rail 401 , as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- a locked coupling may accommodate a range of approximately 1 ⁇ 4 to 3 ⁇ 8 of an inch, inclusive.
- the above steps may be performed a second time upon a second lengthwise rail 401 of the truck chassis 400 using a second support apparatus 100 .
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a safety support for raised truck beds, with a mechanism for locking the safety support against the truck chassis without burdensome or unsafe fasteners. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide multiple modular configurations for a support platform that engages against the bottom of a truck bed. The integration of bracket structures spanning the sides of the support platform may guard the support platform against warping due to prolonged pressure from supporting a truck bed.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/614,715, filed Jan. 8, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/732,400, filed Sep. 17, 2018.
- In transportation, dump trucks are used to transport materials in an open- box bed, pivotably hinged at the rear and raiseable by powered drives at the front. In operation, a truck bed may be placed in a raised configuration for a prolonged period of time to grant service personnel physical clearance to access mechanisms on the underside of the truck bed. The elevation of a truck bed for a protracted length of time poses safety complications for personnel at work under the truck bed, due to the risk of accidental release of the truck bed from an elevated position. A structural support may be imposed beneath an elevated truck bed to reduce the risk of accidental release. However, the structural support itself must be secured to prevent the support from accidental slippage or dislocation.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,174 to Gilbertson et al. discloses a safety support device for truck beds. The Gilbertson support device provides a channel rest which supports the truck bed, pivotably bolted to an upright shank. The shank, supported by a brace, rests on a base platform which rests on a truck chassis frame. However, the Gilbertson support device cannot be secured to the truck chassis frame without employing chains that wrap around the truck chassis frame.
- Gilbertson's channel rest must support the weight of the truck bed, yet it is equipped with only a narrow bracket on its underside that bolts to Gilbertson's upright shank. Thus, the sides of Gilbertson's channel rest overhang the shank and are not directly supported. Under stress from the truck bed for protracted periods of time, Gilbertson's channel rest may warp under strain, decreasing the safety of Gilbertson's support device over long-term use. Further, Gilbertson's rigid channel rest limits the size of truck chassis frame the support device may be used in conjunction with, thereby limiting the applicability of the support device or requiring a user to obtain multiple different sizes in order to accommodate a wide range of truck types and sizes.
- Furthermore, the expressly recited need to rely on chains to secure Gilbertson's support device to a truck chassis frame results in a cumbersome operation process. As disclosed, methods for using Gilbertson's support device comprise no fewer than nine steps and as many as nineteen steps, to account for the need to manually hook, fasten, unfasten, and unhook the support chains.
- Emerson Manufacturing of Pender, NE provides various safety support devices for truck beds. Emerson provides a “Safety Wedge Lock” in the form of an upright triangular frame which serves as a pivot for an inverted triangular frame. In operation, the upright frame rests upon a chassis frame of a truck and the inverted frame is “wedged” under a side of a raised truck bed.
- However, the base of the Emerson device merely provides a bracket that encloses the sides of the truck chassis frame, and thus the Emerson device provides no mechanism for securing the base to the truck chassis frame. Thus, the Emerson device may dislodge from a wedged position under the truck bed; this permits the truck bed to suddenly fall, creating a potential safety hazard. Under stress from the truck bed for protracted periods of time, the risk of dislodgment may increase.
- A safety support device has not been proposed or suggested to resolve the problem of burdensome or insecure fastening against a truck chassis, or the problem of warming due to supporting weight for prolonged periods of time.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view of a safety support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of the safety support apparatus in configuration with a truck chassis frame. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the safety support apparatus with extension insert coupled to a truck chassis frame. -
FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of a support platform and receiver configuration of the safety support apparatus. -
FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view a support platform and receiver configuration of the safety support apparatus while coupled to a truck chassis frame. -
FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of a roller guides and receiver embodiment of the safety support apparatus while coupled to a truck chassis frame. -
FIG. 5A illustrates a profile view of the safety support apparatus configured with a horizontal support member. -
FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of the safety support apparatus configured with a horizontal support member. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a profile view of the safety support apparatus. - Embodiments of the present invention provide a safety support apparatus for truck beds elevated in a raised position. A bottom of the safety support apparatus provides a support platform having a clamping mechanism adjustable to truck chassis designs having rails of varying thicknesses. A top of the safety support apparatus provides a receiver which may be configured with several modular components to engage the bottom of an elevated truck bed.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of asupport apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thesupport apparatus 100 has ananterior member 101 and aposterior member 102 together forming atruss frame 110 having a top, a bottom, and at least one side. Thetruss frame 110 further comprises a firstlateral face 111 and a secondlateral face 112. Thesupport apparatus 100 further comprises abase member 130 coupled to the bottom of thetruss frame 110. Thesupport apparatus 100 further comprises a receiver 120 coupled to and laterally spanning the top of thetruss frame 110. The receiver 120 may be configured to overhang each face of thetruss frame 110. - To the first
lateral face 111 or the secondlateral face 112 of thetruss frame 110, at least onehandle 105 may be affixed to theanterior member 101, theposterior member 102, or both. Disposed through thebase member 130 of the support apparatus, one ormore clamp housings 131 are coupled to thebase member 130. Eachclamp housing 131 further comprises a lengthwise passage through theclamp housing 131, the passage configured with access at its top through a fastener receiver at a top of theclamp housing 131 and access at its bottom through an opening disposed through thebase member 130. Aclamp member 132 may be disposed through a passage of aclamp housing 131 by insertion into the opening disposed through thebase member 130. Conversely, aclamp member 132 may be removed from the passage of theclamp housing 131 through the opening disposed through thebase member 130. In some embodiments, one or more handles may be affixed to the anterior member, the posterior member, or both, of the second face of the truss frame, allowing for easier transport and storage of the apparatus. - A
clamp member 132, shown inFIG. 2 , further comprises a slidingmember 133 having a first end and a second end, adjustable upward and downward through a range of positions within theclamp housing 131, and aclamp jaw plate 134 set at the second end of the slidingmember 133, wherein theclamp jaw plate 134 halts upward adjustment of the slidingmember 133 within theclamp housing 131. While the slidingmember 133 is inserted within theclamp housing 131, anadjustable fastener 135 may be fastened through the top opening of theclamp housing 131 to theclamp member 132. Theadjustable fastener 135 may be coupled to the sliding member and configured to adjust the slidingmember 133 through a range of positions within theclamp housing 131 so as to open theclamp jaw plate 134 and provide a variable clearance between thebase member 130 and theclamp jaw plate 134. - In another embodiment of the invention, shown in
FIG. 3 , the slidingmember 133 may further comprise an elongated member configured to lengthen theapparatus 100 and enable fastening of the apparatus to a rail of greater thickness, thereby increasing overall stability and adaptability of the apparatus when used with various types of truck designs. In another embodiment of the invention, theapparatus 100 may further comprise an extension insert (not shown), configured to couple both thebase member 130 and the slidingmember 133. The extension insert may further comprise a plurality of notches configured to allow adjustment of an overall clamping area of theapparatus 100 by removably coupling the slidingmember 133 at a plurality of adjustment points disposed through at least one surface thereof. Further, the extension insert, in conjunction with the slidingmember 133 andclamp jaw plate 134, may be configured to allow theapparatus 100 to be stored in an upright standing position. - The receiver 120, as shown in
FIG. 4A-B , may comprise any elongated form allowing imposition of ashaft 201 through the receiver 120. According to embodiments of the present invention, the receiver 120 may be cylindrical in form. - Shown in
FIG. 4A , the receiver 120 may be configured to couple asupport platform 200, further configured to pivot about a central axis of the receiver 120. Two opposing sides of thesupport platform 200 may providebrackets 210 having sufficient clearance in between to span the length of the receiver 120. Thebrackets 210 may each be a structure spanning the length of a side of thesupport platform 200. Apivot receiver 211 may further be disposed through eachbracket 210. With thebrackets 210 abutting thereceiver 210, ashaft 201 may be inserted through thebrackets 210 and the receiver 120 to pivotably mount thesupport platform 200 to the receiver 120. At least one pivot stop (not shown) may further be coupled to the brackets and an underside of the support platform, spanning the length of the support platform and configured to limit pivotability of the support platform about the central axis of the receiver. - While the
support platform 200 is pivotably mounted to the receiver 120, the receiver 120 may be configured to receive platform guides 250 on either side of thesupport platform 200. A platform guide 250 may be a plate structure aligned and abutting abracket 210 of thesupport platform 200 such that a portion 251 of the platform guide 250 protrudes over the top of thesupport platform 200. While in alignment with abracket 210, the platform guide 250 may be coterminous with one or more edges of thebracket 210 excluding the portion 251 protruding over the top of thesupport platform 200. - The platform guide 250 may be moveably fastened to the
shaft 201 such that the platform guide 250 may be pivoted into alignment with abracket 210 or may be pivoted out of alignment with thebracket 210 as illustrated inFIG. 4B . While in alignment with thebracket 210, the platform guide 250 may be fastened to thebracket 210 at one or more points of thebracket 210.Handles 105 of theanterior member 101 and of theposterior member 102 may each be configured such that the platform guide 250 may pivot fully about theshaft 201 without obstruction by ahandle 105. - Alternately, the receiver 120 may be configured to receive roller guides 300 instead of a
support platform 200 as illustrated inFIG. 4C . With ashaft 201 imposed through the receiver 120, a roller guide 300 may be fastened to each end of theshaft 201. A roller guide 300 may be a disc member which circumscribes a side of the receiver 120 such that an object resting upon the receiver 120 is secured in its lateral motion against roller guides 300 fastened to either end of theshaft 201. - In another embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 5A-B , thesupport apparatus 100 further comprises at least onehorizontal support member 260, coupled at a first end to theposterior member 102 and coupled at a second end to theanterior member 101. The at least onehorizontal support member 260 is configured to link both the posterior andanterior members support apparatus 100. In similar embodiments, the at least onehorizontal support member 260 is configured to link theposterior member 102 andanterior member 101 and increase overall structural stability such that theposterior member 102 and theanterior member 101 may be further configured as open structures. In this embodiment, the at least onehorizontal support member 260 and the posterior andanterior members central cavity 265 within thetruss frame 110 of thesupport apparatus 100; thereby reducing carry weight of theapparatus 100 without reducing structural integrity. - Further, the
central cavity 265 is configured such that an overall amount of materials and time needed to manufacture theapparatus 100 is significantly reduced without reducing structural integrity, as theapparatus 100 may be constructed from fewer pieces of material. Further, thesupport apparatus 100 would require fewer connecting welds than other support apparatuses known in the art, thereby decreasing time needed for manufacturing processes. - In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one handle may comprise a plurality of
handles 105 may be configured such that at least one handle of the plurality ofhandles 105 is disposed upon opposite facing surfaces of theanterior member 101 or of theposterior member 102. The plurality ofhandles 105 are further configured such that a user may place, remove, or adjust theapparatus 100 from either side of theapparatus 100. Additionally, the plurality of handles 103 may also be configured to allow ease of transport of theapparatus 100 both during use and non-use. - In other embodiments of the invention, the platform guide 250 may be absent, and the
support platform 200 may be configured such that load pressure alone forms a frictional coupling between thesupport platform 200 and atruck bed 410. Further, thebracket 210 may further be configured such that it may only pivot about theshaft 201 in a partial arc, rather than fully, adding additional stability to the support platform in absence of the platform guide 250. - In operation, a
support apparatus 100 may be engaged as follows with alengthwise rail 401 of atruck chassis 400 having abed 410, where thebed 410 is pivoted in the raised position, as shown inFIG. 6 . - A
support apparatus 100 may be configured for operation, first by manipulating theadjustable fastener 135 to open theclamp jaw plate 134. The receiver 120 may then be configured either with asupport platform 200, without platform guides 250, with asupport platform 200 having platform guides 250, or with roller guides 300. - A
support apparatus 100 may be carried by the at least onehandle 105 and placed with thebase member 130 resting upon alengthwise rail 401 of atruck chassis 400, with theanterior member 101 facing a head of the truck and theposterior member 102 facing a tail of the truck. Theclamp jaw plate 134 may be imposed under thelengthwise rail 401 such that thelengthwise rail 401 is situated between thebase member 130 and theclamp jaw plate 134. - The
support apparatus 100 may be moved laterally along thelengthwise rail 401 until thesupport platform 200 is in contact with the bottom of thebed 410 or until the receiver 120 is in contact with the bottom of thebed 410. The bottom of thebed 410 may be braced between the platform guides 250 or between the roller guides 300 to secure the bottom of thebed 410 against thesupport platform 200 or against the receiver 120. - The
adjustable fastener 135 may be adjusted to close theclamp jaw plate 134 about thelengthwise rail 401 to place thebase member 130 and theclamp jaw plate 134 within a locked coupling about thelengthwise rail 401, as illustrated inFIG. 4 . Such a locked coupling may accommodate a range of approximately ¼ to ⅜ of an inch, inclusive. - The above steps may be performed a second time upon a second
lengthwise rail 401 of thetruck chassis 400 using asecond support apparatus 100. - Embodiments of the present invention provide a safety support for raised truck beds, with a mechanism for locking the safety support against the truck chassis without burdensome or unsafe fasteners. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide multiple modular configurations for a support platform that engages against the bottom of a truck bed. The integration of bracket structures spanning the sides of the support platform may guard the support platform against warping due to prolonged pressure from supporting a truck bed.
- While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto because modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the application to cover such modifications and incorporate those features which come within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/959,655 US20210079950A1 (en) | 2018-01-08 | 2018-12-28 | Safety support apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201862614715P | 2018-01-08 | 2018-01-08 | |
US201862732400P | 2018-09-17 | 2018-09-17 | |
PCT/US2018/067916 WO2019135998A1 (en) | 2018-01-08 | 2018-12-28 | Safety support apparatus |
US16/959,655 US20210079950A1 (en) | 2018-01-08 | 2018-12-28 | Safety support apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210079950A1 true US20210079950A1 (en) | 2021-03-18 |
Family
ID=67144232
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/959,655 Abandoned US20210079950A1 (en) | 2018-01-08 | 2018-12-28 | Safety support apparatus |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210079950A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019135998A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11325660B2 (en) * | 2018-01-04 | 2022-05-10 | James Hendricks | Safety support apparatus |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1509875A (en) * | 1924-01-08 | 1924-09-30 | Joseph S Rasnick | Dump-body bracket |
US2274074A (en) * | 1941-03-26 | 1942-02-24 | Clair H Lavalier | Safety block attachment |
US2362668A (en) * | 1943-05-25 | 1944-11-14 | George W Schultz | Dump truck body support |
US2427381A (en) * | 1943-12-31 | 1947-09-16 | Tony L Borgogno | Chock or safety block |
US3565380A (en) * | 1969-04-09 | 1971-02-23 | Gilbert Hyde Chick Co | Frame structure |
US4143869A (en) * | 1977-10-24 | 1979-03-13 | Paterson Roy A | Adjustment clamp |
US4372614A (en) * | 1981-05-12 | 1983-02-08 | Jacques Fortier | Rotating wedge for blocking up the dumping platform of a truck in dumping position |
US6053284A (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 2000-04-25 | Fountain; John W. | Support frame for a ladder |
US8424643B1 (en) * | 2010-05-13 | 2013-04-23 | Joaquin Speaks | Boat work platform |
US9022334B1 (en) * | 2013-04-01 | 2015-05-05 | Innovative Medical Products, Inc. | Operating table quick release clamp |
US9604829B2 (en) * | 2011-07-08 | 2017-03-28 | Hirata Corporation | Lifting apparatus |
US9850924B2 (en) * | 2013-05-24 | 2017-12-26 | Aesculap Ag | Adapter device for an operating table |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3218058A (en) * | 1964-02-17 | 1965-11-16 | Monogram Ind Inc | Quick adjustable clamp |
US3877722A (en) * | 1973-05-07 | 1975-04-15 | Harold V Conner | Mud flap apparatus for trucks |
GB0305979D0 (en) * | 2003-03-14 | 2003-04-23 | Ingimex Ltd | Commercial Vehicle |
US6905174B1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2005-06-14 | Lanny R. Gilbertson | Safety support device and method of using |
-
2018
- 2018-12-28 US US16/959,655 patent/US20210079950A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-12-28 WO PCT/US2018/067916 patent/WO2019135998A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1509875A (en) * | 1924-01-08 | 1924-09-30 | Joseph S Rasnick | Dump-body bracket |
US2274074A (en) * | 1941-03-26 | 1942-02-24 | Clair H Lavalier | Safety block attachment |
US2362668A (en) * | 1943-05-25 | 1944-11-14 | George W Schultz | Dump truck body support |
US2427381A (en) * | 1943-12-31 | 1947-09-16 | Tony L Borgogno | Chock or safety block |
US3565380A (en) * | 1969-04-09 | 1971-02-23 | Gilbert Hyde Chick Co | Frame structure |
US4143869A (en) * | 1977-10-24 | 1979-03-13 | Paterson Roy A | Adjustment clamp |
US4372614A (en) * | 1981-05-12 | 1983-02-08 | Jacques Fortier | Rotating wedge for blocking up the dumping platform of a truck in dumping position |
US6053284A (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 2000-04-25 | Fountain; John W. | Support frame for a ladder |
US8424643B1 (en) * | 2010-05-13 | 2013-04-23 | Joaquin Speaks | Boat work platform |
US9604829B2 (en) * | 2011-07-08 | 2017-03-28 | Hirata Corporation | Lifting apparatus |
US9022334B1 (en) * | 2013-04-01 | 2015-05-05 | Innovative Medical Products, Inc. | Operating table quick release clamp |
US9850924B2 (en) * | 2013-05-24 | 2017-12-26 | Aesculap Ag | Adapter device for an operating table |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11325660B2 (en) * | 2018-01-04 | 2022-05-10 | James Hendricks | Safety support apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2019135998A1 (en) | 2019-07-11 |
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